98 sq in tennis racquets — the advanced players' choice. Sturdy Racquets stocks the full range of 98 sq in frames from every major brand, suiting competitive club players and tour-aspiring competitors who want control, precision, and connected feel.
Why advanced players choose 98 sq in
The 98 sq in head size is the sweet spot for control. Slightly smaller than the popular 100 sq in size, it delivers a more focused response, better feel on incoming shots, and the precision needed to play heavy spin or controlled flat hitting. It's the head size of the most-used players' frames in professional tennis: Wilson Blade 98, Yonex Vcore 98, Babolat Pure Strike 98, and the Wilson Clash 98.
98 sq in options across every brand
Our range covers all the tour-validated 98 sq in frames. The Wilson Blade 98 V10 (16x19 or 18x20, 305g) is used by Tsitsipas, Draper, Dimitrov and Sabalenka. The Babolat Pure Strike 98 (16x19 or 18x20, 305g) is the precision sibling to the Pure Drive — used by Dominic Thiem. The Yonex Vcore 98 (305g) is Stan Wawrinka's frame for spin and control. The Babolat Pure Aero 98 brings spin technology to the smaller head size. The Tecnifibre TF40 (305g, 18x20) is a pure players' control frame, while the Wilson Clash 98 delivers the same head size in Wilson's flexible Clash construction.
Choosing within 98 sq in
16x19 vs 18x20 string patterns make the biggest difference. A 16x19 (Blade 98 16x19, Vcore 98) opens the spacing for spin and ball pocketing — best for modern aggressive baseliners. An 18x20 (Blade 98 18x20, TF40, Pro Staff 97 18x20) tightens the bed for flatter, more direct ball flight — best for traditional all-court players and serve-and-volley specialists. Test before deciding via our demo program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should choose a 98 sq in tennis racquet?
Advanced and competitive players who generate their own pace and want maximum control, precision, and feel. Strong intermediates can also use 98 sq in frames — particularly the comfort-tuned options like the Wilson Clash 98 — but most club players are better served by 100 sq in racquets.
What's the difference between 98 sq in and 100 sq in?
98 sq in offers more control and precision but a smaller sweet spot — off-centre hits feel less forgiving. 100 sq in offers more forgiveness and slightly more power, with less precision. Most advanced players prefer 98; most club players prefer 100.
Which 98 sq in racquet is the most popular on tour?
The Wilson Blade 98 is the single most-used 98 sq in frame in professional tennis — chosen by 40+ ATP and WTA pros including Stefanos Tsitsipas, Aryna Sabalenka, Jack Draper and Grigor Dimitrov. The Babolat Pure Strike 98 and Yonex Vcore 98 round out the top three.
Are 98 sq in racquets good for tennis elbow?
Most 98 sq in frames are stiffer players' frames that aren't ideal for arm sensitivity. The exception is the Wilson Clash 98, which uses Wilson's FortyFive° flex technology to deliver a 98 sq in head with significantly softer impact — a top pick for advanced players managing arm issues.
What strings work best in a 98 sq in racquet?
Polyester strings strung at 22–25 kg are the standard for advanced 98 sq in users — Luxilon ALU Power, Babolat RPM Blast, Wilson Revolve. Many tour players use natural gut/poly hybrids for added comfort. See our polyester and natural gut ranges.